By night, Barry brenner, scuba diver extraordinaire, saves a frantic swimmer from the clutches of a giant octopus. But when he awakes, he is just a bald teenager dealing with feeling different, escaping from bullying, making unlikely friendships, and experiencing first love. Told from the viewpoints of both Barry and the bully, the book gives real insight into both characters.

At first, Barry escapes his tormentor Tommy by retreating into books and fantasies, but things change when he finally stands up to Tommy. After surviving a bank robbery together, the two boys form an unlikely alliance to solve the mysterious disappearance of Tommy's mother.

This book is a must-read for every young teenager who has ever felt different or bullied.